Tom O’Heron, a retired Collective Bargaining Director for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), has died at age 69. O’Heron began his involvement with the IAM in 1978 when he joined Local 21 after training as a machinist and starting work at the Trane Company in Wisconsin. Over his more than four-decade career, he held several leadership roles, including Directing Business Representative for District 66 and later positions within the IAM International.
O’Heron’s tenure included serving as Collective Bargaining Coordinator and then as Collective Bargaining Director before retiring in 2016. In these roles, he was involved in negotiating contracts that provided fair wages, benefits, and protections for union members.
“Tom O’Heron was a true trade unionist whose work shaped our union and improved the lives of countless working families,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “He will be remembered for his steady leadership at the bargaining table, his lifelong dedication to fairness, and his unwavering commitment to solidarity.”
Outside of his professional life, O’Heron was active in sports and community activities. He coached youth baseball and girls’ high school basketball teams and enjoyed golf and watching sports. He also participated in church activities as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
The IAM expressed condolences to O’Heron’s family, friends, and colleagues, noting that his contributions to the organization will have a lasting impact.
